Let’s bring this conversation down to one specific question: Is it “quote unquote” or “quote end quote”? Readers everywhere want to know, right?
Logic might argue one direction, but when has logic ever consistently given you answers to English language questions?
Do you have your answer? How confident are you?
Here’s what you need to know:
The standard expression is “quote-unquote,” “quote/unquote,” or “quote … unquote.”
Thus, “unquote” is an accepted word. Check your favorite spellcheck or autocorrect software. They’ll all agree.
Similar to a closing quotation mark, “unquote” cannot stand on its own. It only works with its partner. A reporter cannot “unquote” a source; nor can a politician (no matter how hard they might try). True, this word never acts as a verb, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a word.
“Quote/unquote” is a predominantly spoken expression, used to emphasize quoted words when punctuation marks aren’t there to help, as they would be with written words. It can be found in written media, but it’s used significantly less frequently there because in a visual form, punctuation marks alone can solve quotation clarity issues.
For those who feel strongly about that “end quote” being the logical answer, “quote end quote” does also appear from time to time (sometimes also spelled “endquote” or “end-quote”). Logically, it makes sense. But thus far, it seems to be a rebellion in the name of logic and order. I’m imagining punctuation marks with tiny fists raised in the air. How about you?
There’s a time and a place for precision and meticulous grammatical use, but if you’re arguing for “quote / end quote,” this isn’t a battle you’ll win. Dictionaries, historical precedent, and common usage all aren’t on your side.
When used correctly, this phrase can appear before the quotation in question (e.g., “she said quote-unquote, ‘we found the mother lode‘”), after the quotation (e.g., “he said it was in the ‘vanilla folder,’ quote-unquote”), or even split up (e.g., “he said, quote, ‘it was besides the point,’ unquote”). But however you may use it, remember its correct spelling. When it comes to the “quote unquote” or “quote end quote” debate, there is an answer.
We may have a long way to go with the world always using quotations accurately, but at least the words you use around them can be right.
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